CHILDREN in Fiji’s remote maritime region face some of the country’s biggest educational challenges.
The Lau Education Charitable Trust (LECT), now in its fifth year, is determined to change this reality – one classroom at a time.
Founded by members of the Lauan diaspora, LECT has grown from a grassroots initiative to an internationally recognised force for educational improvement.
The trust now supports 45 early childhood centres, 46 primary schools, and five high schools across the 72 villages and 22 islands of the Lau Group.
“Our mission is simple but ambitious: to ensure every child in Lau has access to quality education, no matter how remote their home,” says Dr Priscilla Puamau, trustee of LECT Fiji.
“We want these children to realise their full potential – not just as Fijians, but as global citizens.”
Since its inception, LECT has delivered over 100 tons of educational resources to more than 90 schools. It has provided renewable energy solutions—including a $FJD90,000 UNDP-funded solar project at Moce Secondary School—and, in partnership with SolarBuddy, distributed nearly 5000 solar study lamps to students and teachers in Lau and Taveuni.
“These are not just statistics,” Dr Puamau said.
“They represent brighter classrooms, empowered teachers, and children who can study into the night. It’s about creating real hope for the future.”
While LECT’s reach has expanded into other maritime region, such as Cakaudrove, the needs remain great.
Many schools still lack basic resources, disability access, science laboratories, digital learning tools, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Ua Ni Cagi Charity Ball: A night for education
To maintain and expand its work, LECT has announced the soft launch of its flagship fundraising event for 2026 – the Ua Ni Cagi Charity Ball, scheduled for 22 August at Suva’s Grand Pacific Hotel.
“Ua Ni Cagi means ‘current of the wind’ – a quiet but powerful force that brings change,” explains LECT patron Adi Davila Toganivalu. “That’s what we hope this event will be for our children and our islands.”
The Ball aims to unite the global Fijian diaspora, corporate partners, and community leaders around a common purpose: investing in the future of maritime students.
“This event is more than an evening of celebration,” says Dr Puamau. “It is a call to action – a chance for everyone who cares about the future of our islands to make a difference. Every ticket and every donation helps us reach more children and transform more schools.”
The Ball has three main aims: to raise vital funds for ongoing education projects, to showcase the impact of collective giving, and to forge new partnerships for the future.
“While we are proud of what we have achieved, there is still much to do,” Dr Puamau says.“
“With continued support, we can keep closing the gap for children in our most remote communities. Together, we can create lasting change – one student, one school, one island at a time.”